Spotlight
Fantastic Beasts – Second Edition
For our 40th issue of Spotlight, we’re revisiting a theme we first explored back in 2019: the magnificent beasts who have charmed us with their form and spirit over the ages.
Search Results for: Faiths
Spotlight
Gujarat, land of surprises
Like the beloved Gujarati breakfast of jalebi-fafda, the contrasting flavours of this region give its cultures an irresistible piquancy. Here are some surprising facts to pique your curiosity about Gujarat
Quizzes
Quiz: Architectural Marvels of India
Design innovation, engineering feats and artistic brilliance characterise these great Indian landmarks. Take our quiz to see how well you know your way around them
Spotlight
History meets AI – In conversation with Arpan Mukherjee
“I use the latest cutting-edge AI technology as well as 19th-century techniques to create images unique to my aesthetic and understanding of the world”
Spotlight
Quiz: How well do you know the ancient caves of India?
In ancient India, cave complexes sheltered travellers and traders too besides priests and monks. Take our quiz to learn about these rock-cut rest-stops
Spotlight
Masters of the Universe – Medieval Deccan’s kings & queens
Meet some of the most influential kings and queens of the region and understand their contribution to the language, politics and art of south India
Spotlight
Empires of the Deccan – 1,000 years of shifting sands
The Deccan’s diversity of art, culture and language is the result of centuries of shifting politics. Let’s get to know the prominent early and late-mediaeval kingdoms of this vast region through Sarmaya’s rare photographs, coins, books, engravings and maps
Spotlight
Reign of the Goddess
As the festive season draws near, we get to know some of the great goddesses of our culture in the 33rd issue of Sarmaya Spotlight
Spotlight
Work & worship – Goddesses of learning and living
The road to learning—and earning—is guided by these benevolent goddesses
Spotlight
Miracle cure – Goddesses of health
The devis, matas, ammas and other female divinities who have been called upon, time and time again, to save humanity from disease, death and its own hubris
Guides
Worshipping water – Faith & conservation in Indian culture
Let’s travel to some picturesque and iconic Indian destinations where water is worshipped as saviour, sustainer, and bringer of salvation
Spotlight
The Making of Madras
The history of the Madras Presidency is also the history of an embryonic nation finding its identity under colonial rule. We take you through some key moments, movements and personalities that shaped Madras and what would in time become India
Guides
Endless Scroll – The Genesis of Bengal’s Pattachitra Art
Storytelling itself has survived centuries of transformation, but Bengal Patuas or Chitrakars are bearers of an ancient storytelling tradition that is fast disappearing
Spotlight
Mahavir in marble – Stunning 19th-Century Photographs of the Jain Temples of Palitana
Every March-April, pilgrims make their way to Palitana to observe Mahavir Jayanti. It’s a solemn festival observed in the most ornately decorated temple town you will ever see
Collections
Akbar, Quarter Silver Rupee of Lahore Mint
This quarter silver rupee weighs 2.74 grams—a silver rupee during Akbar’s reign would weigh between 10 to 11 grams. In addition, this is an Ilahi type coin, which means it’s dated in the Ilahi era as opposed to the more Hijri era favoured by Islamic rulers. Din-i-ilahi was the faith founded by Akbar in AH… Read more »
Spotlight
Finding Jesus: When Mughal Art Discovered the Land of the Bible
Starting in the 16th century, Christian themes went viral in traditional Indian art. Shubhasree Purkayastha explains how it all began
Spotlight
Sufis, Dargahs & Divinity in Delhi
Some of Sufism’s most charismatic leaders called Delhi home in the 13th and 14th centuries. Get to know these marvelous mystics
Spotlight
10 of the Most Incredible Indian Churches
From the four corners of the country